DISCUSSION GUIDE 11.28.21
Colossians 1
Group Discussion Questions:
- As you reflect on the sermon this week, how did the Holy Spirit speak to your heart? Was there a verse/passage that jumped out to you? Share why the verse or passage struck you.
- 2 Cor. 5:1-2 “Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. 2 Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling.” Romans 8:22-23 “We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.” Both passages speak of groaning. What does Paul mean by saying, “Meanwhile we groaning”? What was his point? How do these verses fit with the advent season (think about the Already/not yet Kingdom of God)? What insight can we gain from these verses concerning discontentment?
Read and discuss Chapter 1:
- Read verses 9-13. This is Paul’s prayer for the Colossians. In the prayer, we find Paul’s strategy for growth in the knowledge of God. Terry described Paul’s strategy as the know/grow/go strategy. How does it differ from circular reasoning, and why does it work?
- Take time and reflect on what Paul prayed for Colossians. What are your thoughts?
- What was Paul’s goal for the knowledge he prayed for them?
- What can we learn about prayer, and what are the implications for us?
- Read verses 15-20 and discuss.
- What does this passage teach us about Christ? What is the main point of the passage?
- What does it mean to be reconciled to God?
- Why is it important to know all of these things about Christ?
- How does this passage help shape our minds and hearts? How does it apply to Paul’s upward spiral strategy of know/grow/go?
- How does the passage help us to live a single-story life?
Application: Take time this advent season to read and reflect on vv15-20 and let it shape your heart and mind.